On Friday 6th March, senior singers competed for the 2020 Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize with international mezzo-soprano, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, presiding as adjudicator. Catherine is a regular guest at the Bayerische Staastoper, English National Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden and has performed at major opera houses globally to critical acclaim. As a valued member of the teaching staff at the Royal Academy of Music, she also has a commanding knowledge of young voices and also coaches at the Royal Opera House.

Six finalists presented a programme of a Baroque Aria, an English Song and a song or aria of their own choice to reflect their talent. Mr Totney was an inspiration as accompanist and the evening was a musical delight. Lauren, Belinda, Megan and Flora commanded Chapel with gorgeous programmes including Hugo Wolf, Caccini, Handel and Richard Rodney Bennett. Tessa’s selection of repertoire included Brahms and Handel and she was awarded runner up for her poised singing. Finally, Elan was announced as the winner of the Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize with her programme of Bach, Mozart and John Ireland which Catherine felt was 'extremely polished'. It was a true celebration of song and an evening that Sir Bryn himself would have loved! In his own words, 'I hope the competition will create a vibrant interest in the Song Repertoire which is so essential to young voices.'

Mrs Bethan Fryar, Director of Vocal Studies